NCSU vs WSU

[TheShepherdsKeep]

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Hi everyone, I received 2 acceptances to WSU and NCSU. I am WICHE for WSU so I can obtain instate tuition and for NCSU, I can obtain instate tuition for all 4 years due to my military service. I know I should go to the cheapest school, but my concern is distance. WSU would be the closest to my family 8 hr flight versus a +10 hr flight to Raleigh. Both great schools, so just wanting other opinions and perspectives to consider. My main focus is mixed animal and or shelter medicine.
(Btw WSU is my top choice, still need to hear back from 5 others schools)

Thank you!

 

[JaynaAli]

The difference between an 8 vs 10 hour flight seems pretty negligible to me. Especially if you’re only making that flight a couple times a year, since neither is really short enough to pop in for a day/weekend visit. Just purely considering flights, I would assume it’s likely going to be cheaper to fly out of Raleigh vs Pullman and probably more flights/better times available too just because it would be a larger airport. Those flights from tiny little airports can be way more expensive than at a larger hub.

You’re going to get a great education at either school. Truly, cost should be your biggest concern. You’re in a good spot with either option, but I’d do everything you can to set yourself up for future success by minimizing your debt and going to the cheapest school.

 

[TheShepherdsKeep]

The difference between an 8 vs 10 hour flight seems pretty negligible to me. Especially if you’re only making that flight a couple times a year, since neither is really short enough to pop in for a day/weekend visit. Just purely considering flights, I would assume it’s likely going to be cheaper to fly out of Raleigh vs Pullman and probably more flights/better times available too just because it would be a larger airport. Those flights from tiny little airports can be way more expensive than at a larger hub.

You’re going to get a great education at either school. Truly, cost should be your biggest concern. You’re in a good spot with either option, but I’d do everything you can to set yourself up for future success by minimizing your debt and going to the cheapest school.

Thank you for your feedback!

 

[TheShepherdsKeep]

The difference between an 8 vs 10 hour flight seems pretty negligible to me. Especially if you’re only making that flight a couple times a year, since neither is really short enough to pop in for a day/weekend visit. Just purely considering flights, I would assume it’s likely going to be cheaper to fly out of Raleigh vs Pullman and probably more flights/better times available too just because it would be a larger airport. Those flights from tiny little airports can be way more expensive than at a larger hub.

You’re going to get a great education at either school. Truly, cost should be your biggest concern. You’re in a good spot with either option, but I’d do everything you can to set yourself up for future success by minimizing your debt and going to the cheapest school.

I'm comparing tuition for both schools and it seems NCSU is cheaper by $8k. Is that amount still significant? I also saw that WSU 4th year tuition is higher than the first three years, coming to $40k which the cost of attendance estimate is suggesting $73k. Unlike NCSU, which its 4th year is a bit cheaper. Keeping that in mind, with the new bill, does that mean I would have to pull private loans or pay out of pocket for the extra 22-25k, if I decide on WSU?

 

[JaynaAli]

I'm comparing tuition for both schools and it seems NCSU is cheaper by $8k. Is that amount still significant? I also saw that WSU 4th year tuition is higher than the first three years, coming to $40k which the cost of attendance estimate is suggesting $73k. Unlike NCSU, which its 4th year is a bit cheaper. Keeping that in mind, with the new bill, does that mean I would have to pull private loans or pay out of pocket for the extra 22-25k, if I decide on WSU?

Yes, with the new loan regulations, you will only be able to borrow 50,000/yr for a lifetime max of 200,000 kn federal loans. If you need more than $50k in a year, you will have to find some other way to get that money, whether that’s private loans, other scholarships, paying from savings, parental or other support, etc.

Also, most schools will increase tuition 3% or so every year. There are some schools that may “lock” your tuition at whatever the rate was when you started, but often there is a yearly increase they sneakily don’t tell you about up front. Plus vet med only has unsubsidized federal loans, so anything you borrow will begin to accrue interest immediately even while you’re in school. Current federal interest rates are about 8%, and when you graduate, all that accrued interest will capitalize and be added to your balance. So $8,000 difference on paper at first glance very well could be higher when you factor in interest and tuition increases. I mean, they’re both decent options as far as cost goes…you’re in a better place than many, many other students with either option. But as someone who’s been through it, I truly can’t see any reason not to go to whatever school is cheapest, unless there is a spouse or other family concerns involved. Vet school is four fast years of your life but the debt is around a lot longer for most people.

 

[supershorty]

I agree with Jayna - go to the cheapest program. The difference in flight time is negligible, IMO - in either case, you're going to lose essentially a full day to travel, and realistically, you aren't going to have that many travel opportunities anyway. Any amount of savings is worth it with the new loan regulations.

 

[FelineFine30]

Selfishly, I want you to join NCSU 😉
Raleigh is WAY cooler than Pullman! 🙂 no offense to my fellow 509 friends.

 

[TheShepherdsKeep]

Selfishly, I want you to join NCSU 😉
Raleigh is WAY cooler than Pullman! 🙂 no offense to my fellow 509 friends.

This is a toughie since WSU is my top choice, but I am attending both student welcome events and then making a decision then. Have you narrowed your top 2s yet? NCSU?😏